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Alberta Vaccine Storage and Handling for COVID-19 Vaccine
December 2020
This policy is evergreen and will be updated as new information
becomes available. Objectives:
Protect vaccine safety and efficacy;
Ensure a potent and safe vaccine is administered; and
Minimize and reduce the cost of vaccine wastage due to cold
chain excursions.
See the Alberta Vaccine Storage and Handling for Provincially
Funded Vaccines for:
accountabilities, roles and responsibilities for staff and
immunizers in maintaining vaccine viability for provincially funded
vaccines; and
cold chain (storage, transport, and handling) requirements for
staff and immunizers in order to maintain the safety and efficacy
of provincially funded vaccine.
Contents
VACCINE STORAGE
REQUIREMENTS.........................................................................................
2
I. Vaccines that require storage at -70°C
...........................................................................................................2
II. Vaccines that require storage at -20°C
...........................................................................................................5
III. Vaccines that require storage between +2°C and +8°C
.................................................................................5
Vaccines that require storage between +2°C and +8°C
.........................................................................................5
TEMPERATURE MONITORING
......................................................................................................
6
VACCINE TRANSPORT
..................................................................................................................
7
COLD CHAIN EXCURSIONS
..........................................................................................................
8
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https://open.alberta.ca/publications/alberta-vaccine-storage-and-handling-policy-for-provincially-funded-vaccine
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Alberta Vaccine Storage and Handling Policy for COVID-19
Vaccine
December 2020
Alberta Vaccine Storage and Handling Policy for COVID-19 Vaccine
©2020 Government of Alberta | Published: December 16, 2020 | Page 2
of 8
VACCINE STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
I. Vaccines that require storage at -70°C
Vaccines that require storage at -70°C Must remain in the
freezer until ready to immunize. Can be stored at -80°C to -60°C
for 6 months NOTES:
Vaccine must to be thawed prior to adding the diluent for
reconstitution
It takes 30 minutes to thaw the vaccine at room temperature from
frozen state
The vaccine can be thawed in a vaccine fridge +2 to +8°C from
frozen state
Once thawed - Do not refreeze
See www.CVDvaccine.ca for additional information.
Laboratory Grade Ultra Low Temperature Freezers
Must continuously keep temperature at -70°C within +/- 10°C from
the set point.
Must have an alarm setting that provides audible sound in the
event that the temperature of the unit deviates beyond the alarm
set points or if the door is ajar.
Must have adjustable alarm set points/range.
Adjustable temperature set points or temperature controls.
Should have a digital temperature display on front that displays
current temperature to 1°C degree resolution.
Adjustable shelves with minimum 100 pounds capacity per
shelf.
Minimum interior measurements: 23 cubic feet.
Type B plug (120 volts) or equivalent.
Capped access portholes.
Locking castor on bottom of unit.
Manufacturer provided thermal shippers
The vaccine is stable in the manufacturer’s provided thermal
shipper for up to 30 days with appropriate handling and re-icing.
See below for more information.
Safe storage and handling of dry ice
Do not store in an airtight container, as it may explode. The
dry ice rapidly expands to a gas when exposed to temperatures above
-78°C.
Work in a well-ventilated space, as asphyxiation is a main
hazard of dry ice.
Wear insulated (cryogenic) gloves: Wear heavy rubber gloves that
insulate against the cold where contact with dry ice may occur.
This prevents cold burns and frostbite.
Wear safety glasses with side shields, safety goggles or a face
shield Use dry ice tongs or a dry shovel or scoop. Avoid materials
incompatible with
cryogenic use; some metals such as carbon steel may fracture
easily at low temperature.
See the product’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for more
information.
Pfizer’s dry ice MSDS can be found here.
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http://www.cvdvaccine.ca/https://safetydatasheets.pfizer.com/MyDocuments/DownloadSingleFile?content=107797DB-EA23-4918-884A-CE87C6E34344_PDF
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Alberta Vaccine Storage and Handling Policy for COVID-19
Vaccine
December 2020
Alberta Vaccine Storage and Handling Policy for COVID-19 Vaccine
©2020 Government of Alberta | Published: December 16, 2020 | Page 3
of 8
Unpacking vaccine from thermal shipper
Do not discard the original thermal shipper or any of its
components.
There are two types of thermal shippers: a Softbox thermal
shipper and an AeroSafe thermal shipper. Their outer appearance is
different, but their components are very similar.
The thermal shippers can weigh up to 36.5 kg (81 lbs) and should
be opened on the floor.
Steps for unpacking the thermal shipper 1. Refer to the dry ice
safety data sheet before accessing the contents of the
thermal shipper. 2. Break the seal open. 3. When you open the
container you will see a temperature monitoring device
embedded in the foam lid. o Softbox: The lid is permanently
attached to one flap of the
container. Do not pull this flap. When opening the lid, use the
three-finger holes in the foam lid, which will allow the lid to
swing open.
o Aerobox: Gently remove the entire lid, with the
temperature-monitoring device, from the inner lid.
4. Press and hold the stop button of the temperature-monitoring
device for 5 seconds. Information about temperature monitoring,
including devices, can be found at www.CVDvaccine.ca.
5. Don the appropriate personal protective equipment as outlined
in the section above.
6. Remove the dry ice pod. 7. You will now see the box that
holds the vial trays. Open the box and you will
see the vial trays. Remove the box that holds the vial trays
from the container. Do not open the vial trays or remove the vials
until you are ready for thawing.
8. Immediately store the vaccine in the ultra-low-temperature
freezer. Note: If an ultra-low-temperature freeze is not available,
the thermal shipper may be used as temporary storage (see next
section).
9. Dispose of dry ice (see section below). 10. Return the
thermal shipper and temperature-monitoring device to the
manufacturer.
Returning the thermal shipper
When the thermal shipper is ready to be returned and all the
components are inside, seal it with tape.
A preprinted return shipping label will be included inside the
thermal shipper or already affixed to the inner flap of the thermal
shipper.
o Softbox - apply the preprinted return shipping label over the
existing shipping label.
o AeroSafe - follow instructions on the inner flap of the
thermal shipper to ensure the return label is facing outside.
Elements required for return (Softbox and AeroSafe) o
Temperature-monitoring device o Foam lid (remains attached to box)
o Dry ice pod o Box that holds the vial trays
Note: Ensure the Dry Ice UN1845 markings and diamond-shaped
Class 9 hazard label on the thermal shipper are covered by placing
a blank label over them in preparation for the return, as the
container no longer contains dry ice.
Discard empty vial trays as medical waste so they cannot be
reused.
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http://www.cvdvaccine.ca/
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Alberta Vaccine Storage and Handling Policy for COVID-19
Vaccine
December 2020
Alberta Vaccine Storage and Handling Policy for COVID-19 Vaccine
©2020 Government of Alberta | Published: December 16, 2020 | Page 4
of 8
Using the thermal shipper as temporary storage
If using the thermal shipper as temporary storage, it must be
opened, inspected, and replenished with dry ice within 24 hours of
receipt.
After replenishing the thermal shipper, vial trays should be
returned inside and the box taped closed after inspection.
Ensure to monitor the temperature inside the thermal shipper
using your own monitoring device. For dry ice replenishment
requirements, dry ice pellet size, and pack-out instructions for
re-icing the thermal shipper, visit www.CVDvaccine.ca.
Disposal of dry ice Once dry ice is no longer needed, open the
container and leave it at room temperature in a well-ventilated
area. It will readily turn from a solid to a gas.
DO NOT leave dry ice in an unsecured area.
DO NOT drain or flush in toilet.
DO NOT dispose in the trash.
DO NOT place in a closed area, such as an airtight container or
walk-in cooler.
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http://www.cvdvaccine.ca/
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Alberta Vaccine Storage and Handling Policy for COVID-19
Vaccine
December 2020
Alberta Vaccine Storage and Handling Policy for COVID-19 Vaccine
©2020 Government of Alberta | Published: December 16, 2020 | Page 5
of 8
II. Vaccines that require storage at -20°C
Vaccines that require storage at -20°C Vaccines must remain in
the freezer until ready to immunize. Can be stored at -20°C for 6
months Vaccine can be thawed in two ways:
From the freezer to room temperature, will require 1 hour to
thaw from frozen state.
From the freezer to a vaccine fridge +2°C to +8°C; will require
2 hours to thaw from frozen state.
Laboratory Grade Freezers
Must continuously keep temperature at -20°C within +/- 5°C from
the set point.
Must have an alarm setting that provides audible sound in the
event that the temperature of the unit deviates beyond the alarm
set points or if the door is ajar.
Must have adjustable alarm set points/range.
Should have adjustable temperature set points/temperature
controls.
Digital temperature display on front that displays current
temperature to 1°C degrees resolution.
Adjustable shelves with minimum 100 pounds capacity per
shelf.
Minimum interior measurements: 23 cubic feet.
Type B plug (120 volts) or equivalent.
Capped access portholes.
Locking castor on bottom of unit.
Manufacturer provided thermal shippers
The vaccine is stable in the manufacturer’s provided thermal
shipper for up to 15 days with appropriate handling and
re-icing.
III. Vaccines that require storage between +2°C and +8°C
Vaccines that require storage between +2°C and +8°C Must remain
in the refrigerator, except when being administered
Laboratory Grade Refrigerators
A digital feedback system that ensures narrow tolerances with
internal temperatures.
Ongoing air circulation that ensures that the temperature
distribution is even.
System for vaccine storage.
A set-point temperature is kept within the range specified in
the product monograph.
Temperature recovery system is appropriate.
Built to handle ambient temperature changes.
Vaccine Bags/Qualified Insulated Container
Must be inspected for integrity prior to each use and an
appropriate temperature monitoring device must be used to transport
vaccine. If the vaccine bag is showing signs of wear due to
material break down or damage, it must not be used.
Must be tested for their ability to maintain a stable
temperature between +2°C and +8°C or at temperature specified in
product monograph.
Vaccine bags must be replaced periodically (e.g. every 2 years),
due to material break down and decreased effectiveness of ability
to maintain temperature.
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Alberta Vaccine Storage and Handling Policy for COVID-19
Vaccine
December 2020
Alberta Vaccine Storage and Handling Policy for COVID-19 Vaccine
©2020 Government of Alberta | Published: December 16, 2020 | Page 6
of 8
TEMPERATURE MONITORING
The minimum, maximum, and current temperature of all
refrigerators/freezers where vaccine is stored must be monitored
and recorded.
Temperature Monitoring Devices
The only thermometers and temperature recording devices that are
acceptable for monitoring the temperature within vaccine storage
units are:
Minimum and Maximum Thermometer.
Data Logger - must function like a min/max device and therefore
the
minimum, maximum, and current temperatures need to be downloaded
twice a day.
Alarmed Temperature Monitoring System - must function like a
min/max
device and therefore the minimum, maximum, and current
temperatures need to be downloaded twice a day.
Chart Recorder in combination with a min/max thermometer Note:
Chart recorders can be hard to interpret, inaccurate, and difficult
to ascertain minimum and maximum temperatures. In addition, if
chart recorders are on the same power supply as the fridge (and do
not have back-up power) and the power goes out – there is not
enough data to make a decision on vaccine viability.
Fluid-filled bio-safe liquid (bottle) thermometers, bi-metal
stem thermometers, and household thermometers are NOT
acceptable.
Continuous Temperature Recording Devices
These include:
Chart Recorders (in combination with a min/max thermometer);
OR
Data Loggers (downloaded twice a day); OR
Alarmed Temperature Monitoring System (downloaded twice a
day)
Temperature Recording
At minimum, the temperature must be recorded and reviewed at the
beginning and end of each business day (separated by at least 8
hours) for each refrigerator/freezer storing vaccine.
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Alberta Vaccine Storage and Handling Policy for COVID-19
Vaccine
December 2020
Alberta Vaccine Storage and Handling Policy for COVID-19 Vaccine
©2020 Government of Alberta | Published: December 16, 2020 | Page 7
of 8
VACCINE TRANSPORT
Cold Chain must be maintained during transport to another
location.
Packing Vaccines Vaccines must be packed for transport taking
into account:
Type of transport;
Amount of vaccine to be transported;
External air temperature; and
Length of time the vaccine will be in a Qualified Insulated
Container/Package.
Packing configurations will vary on a seasonal basis.
Container ‘Frozen’ Vaccines
Manufacturer provided thermal shippers ‘2-8°C Vaccines’
Qualified Insulated Container or Vaccine Bag
Temperature Monitoring
An appropriate temperature monitoring device must be used to
transport vaccine unless utilizing a pre-qualified container with
phase-changing technology.
Receiving Vaccine When a vaccine shipment is received, it must
be examined and stored as specified in the product monograph.
Read and/or stop the recording of the temperature monitoring
device upon receipt to determine if it has been activated or
alarmed.
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Alberta Vaccine Storage and Handling Policy for COVID-19
Vaccine
December 2020
Alberta Vaccine Storage and Handling Policy for COVID-19 Vaccine
©2020 Government of Alberta | Published: December 16, 2020 | Page 8
of 8
COLD CHAIN EXCURSIONS
Cold Chain must be maintained during transport to another
location.
Ultra Frozen Vaccine Each cold chain excursion will need to be
assessed to determine if it is a cold chain break and vaccine needs
to be quarantined.
Ultra Frozen state
Vaccine is to be stored -80°C to -60°C while in a frozen
state.
If the temperature is higher than -60°C, the vaccine is
considered to be in the thawing stage and needs to be stored in a
vaccine fridge at +2°C to +8°C. Do not refreeze.
If the temperature is lower than -80°C, quarantine vaccine and
mark as “DO NOT USE”, and store in ultra low freezer at -80°C to
-60°C until viability has been assessed.
Undiluted thawed vaccine can be stored at:
+2°C to +8°C for 5 days o If the temperature is lower than +2°C,
quarantine vaccine and mark as
“DO NOT USE”, and store in a vaccine fridge at +2°C to +8°C
until viability has been assessed.
Greater than +8°C up to +25°C for 2 hours o If the temperature
is greater than +8°C up to +25°C for more than 2
hours, report as cold chain excursion and discard the vaccine. o
If the temperature is over +25°C (room temperature) within the 2
hour
timeframe, quarantine vaccine and mark as “DO NOT USE”, and
store in a vaccine fridge at +2°C to +8°C until viability has been
assessed.
o If the temperature is over +25°C (room temperature) outside
the 2 hour timeframe, report as cold chain excursion and discard
the vaccine.
Diluted thawed vaccine can be stored at +2°C to +25°C for 6
hours
If the temperature is less than +2°C or more than +25°C,
quarantine vaccine and mark as “DO NOT USE”, and store in a vaccine
fridge at +2°C to +8°C until viability has been assessed.
Diluted thawed vaccine is to be discarded after 6 hours.
Quarantine Vaccine Affected vaccines must be isolated and marked
as “DO NOT USE” until viability has been assessed.
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